Bold, savory, and packed with rich layers of flavor, this Cajun Garlic Butter Linguine with Tender Beef Strips is the kind of dish that satisfies both comfort food cravings and gourmet pasta nights. Juicy, seasoned steak strips are seared to perfection, then tossed in a silky garlic butter sauce with just the right amount of Cajun kick.
It’s an easy yet luxurious meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special weekend gatherings. Whether you’re feeding a family or treating yourself to something indulgent, this pasta delivers restaurant-quality flavor without the fuss.
What Cut of Beef is Best for This Recipe?
For this recipe, flank steak or sirloin works beautifully. These cuts are tender when sliced thin against the grain and cook quickly in a hot skillet. If you’re after an even more luxurious texture, ribeye is another flavorful option—though it’s richer and higher in fat.
Ingredients for the Cajun Garlic Butter Linguine with Tender Beef Strips
Flank or Sirloin Steak
Tender and flavorful, this is the star of the dish. Slice thinly across the grain for best results.
Linguine Pasta
This flat, wide noodle holds the creamy butter sauce beautifully and provides a satisfying bite.
Garlic
Fresh minced garlic adds punch and depth to the butter sauce.
Butter
The base of the sauce, giving the dish richness and silkiness.
Olive Oil
Used to sear the beef and give it that perfect outer crust.
Cajun Seasoning
Spicy, smoky, and bold—this blend brings the heat and complexity.
Heavy Cream
Adds body to the sauce and helps mellow out the spice from the Cajun seasoning.
Parmesan Cheese
For a salty, umami finish that ties everything together.
Fresh Parsley
Brightens up the dish and adds a fresh herbal contrast.
Salt & Pepper
Essential for seasoning both the beef and the sauce to taste.


How To Make the Cajun Garlic Butter Linguine with Tender Beef Strips
Step 1: Cook the Linguine
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Beef
While the pasta cooks, season the sliced steak with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Sear the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and just cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan and mix until melted and smooth. Add the seared beef back into the skillet along with chopped parsley. Toss everything together until heated through.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Plate the linguine and beef, garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan if desired, and serve hot.
How to Serve and Store Cajun Garlic Butter Linguine with Tender Beef Strips
Serve this dish immediately while it’s hot and the sauce is silky and smooth. A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a few shavings of Parmesan on top adds that final gourmet touch. For a stunning dinner table presentation, pair with a glass of red wine like Cabernet or a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc if you prefer white.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
What to Serve With Cajun Garlic Butter Linguine with Tender Beef Strips?
Garlic Bread
The buttery, crisp edges of garlic bread make it the perfect companion to soak up every last drop of sauce.
Caesar Salad
A cool, crunchy Caesar salad balances the heat and richness of the Cajun-spiced pasta.
Roasted Broccoli
A simple side of roasted broccoli adds texture and a dose of green to round out the meal.
Grilled Asparagus
Lightly charred asparagus spears offer a smoky, fresh counterpoint to the rich pasta.
Creamed Spinach
If you’re all in on the indulgence, a small serving of creamed spinach is a decadent side.
Sparkling Water with Lemon
Keep things refreshing and palate-cleansing with a chilled glass of sparkling lemon water.
Honey Butter Cornbread
For a Southern twist, serve alongside sweet and savory cornbread.
Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas with a Kick?
If this Cajun Garlic Butter Linguine hit the spot, you’ll love diving into these next:
- Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.
- Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Linguine for a seafood spin.
- One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo when you want maximum flavor with minimum cleanup.
- Smoked Sausage Cajun Pasta Bake for something hearty and oven-ready.
- Spicy Chipotle Mac and Cheese if you like the smoky heat cranked up.
Save This Pin For Later
Save this delicious idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to whip it up again.
Tried it with a twist? Maybe a touch of lemon zest or a splash of white wine? I’d love to hear how you made it your own—drop your tips or questions in the comments below.
Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen Recipes on Pinterest. Your next favorite might be waiting there.

Cajun Garlic Butter Linguine with Tender Beef Strips
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Turn your weeknight dinner into a flavorful escape with this Cajun Garlic Butter Linguine with Tender Beef Strips. Juicy seared steak slices are layered over creamy, spicy linguine with garlic butter sauce and parmesan—delivering bold comfort in every forkful. Perfect for pasta lovers craving something hearty yet elevated, this easy dinner recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your table. Great for pasta nights, quick meals, or cozy dinner ideas with a bit of Southern flair.
Ingredients
8 ounces linguine pasta
1 pound flank steak or sirloin steak, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Extra parmesan for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook linguine in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Season sliced steak with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat.
4. Sear steak strips in batches for 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
5. Reduce skillet heat to medium and add butter.
6. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
7. Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 2 minutes.
8. Add cooked linguine and toss to coat in sauce.
9. Mix in grated parmesan and stir until smooth.
10. Return beef to skillet with chopped parsley. Toss everything and heat through.
11. Serve hot with extra parmesan on top.
Notes
Use flank steak for leaner texture, or ribeye for a richer version.
Add a splash of pasta water if sauce needs loosening while tossing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: easy dinner, beef pasta, creamy linguine, Cajun recipes, pasta dinner ideas